The Giglio
The Giglio is an obelisk structure and is comprised of four components:
The Base
The Massapequa Giglio Base is a four-sided, nine foot wide, 10-foot-high frame that carries the weight of the entire Giglio which includes the Box, the Tower, the Face, the Band, and a Singer. All the pre-drilled wood is mostly re-used for several years. Occasionally, various pieces of wood in the Base are replaced depending on its condition from the previous year.
The Box
After the Base is built, the Box which protrudes above the Base is assembled. It is rectangular in shape and consists of four uprights. All the pre-drilled wood is mostly re-used for several years. Occasionally, various pieces of wood in the Box are replaced depending on its condition from the previous year.
The Tower
After the Box is built, the Tower is assembled. The Tower consists of five (5) uprights that protrude above the Box as follows: Two front uprights, one on each front corner. Two back uprights which are moved forward to somewhere in the middle. One upright in the center of the back of the Box which is called the “Spine”
The Face
The Face is a hand sculptured piece of art made of papier mâché figurines such as Saints, Angels, and Cherubs. Architectural Styrofoam designs and flowers such as Lilies (Gigli in Italian) are also added to the Face.
Summary
Assembling the Giglio is a collaborative effort by all the Artists, the Craftsmen and the Massapequa Association Members who are involved. Attention to detail is crucial as the Giglio must meet the extremely high standards of this over 1,600-year-old annual Italian Feast.
Click the Giglio below to see the different levels of the structure:
